Equipment Depot
Championing Greener Material Handling

Marc Terwilliger, Vice President, EQ Solutions

Driving Li-ion adoption within manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities is Equipment Depot, America’s largest independently operated material handling and rental equipment source. Spanning more than 50 locations across the U.S., the company is the leader in helping businesses shift from traditional, lead-acid batteries toward more advanced Li-ion technology.

The Industrial Shift to a More Reliable Source of Power

Currently, Li-ion accounts for roughly 20 percent of the material handling market, with most forklift and truck OEMs still relying on lead-acid batteries. This paradigm is set to shift, as Li-ion is projected to establish a 50 percent market share over the next five years.

The rationale behind this transition is grounded in the proven durability and longevity of lithium batteries, which offer lifespans that are twice as long as traditional offerings. This translates to reduced maintenance, enhanced safety and cleaner operations—a trifecta of sought-after benefits.

Li-ion batteries also boast superior ease of maintenance, eliminating time-consuming tasks, such as watering, and potential hazards, like exposure to toxic fumes. Reduced labor for weekly maintenance directly contributes to a greater return on investment (ROI), and improved operational maintenance and lifecycle (OML) calculations. Li-ion batteries consist predominately of recyclable minerals, such as cadmium, cobalt, nickel and iron phosphates. That means less lead in use, helping businesses better align with green initiatives

Combining Innovation and Expertise

The cornerstone of Equipment Depot’s approach to Li-ion adoption is customization. Its batteries are versatile and can be easily tailored for a broad spectrum of energy-intensive applications.

“Regardless of whether they use internal combustion or lead-acid batteries to power their warehousing processes, we approach every engagement with a comprehensive understanding of client needs. We craft a highly consultative approach often focused on peak seasons to ensure optimal uptime,” says Marc Terwilliger, vice president of EQ Solutions, Equipment Depot.

Powered by this data-driven approach, Equipment Depot designs Li-ion solutions capable of delivering maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness across diverse customer applications.

“Our process of engaging with clients is highly customized and typically involves a one-on-one approach powered by a growing team of dedicated professionals,” says Joe Trovero, director of power sales.

Regardless of whether they use internal combustion or lead-acid batteries to power their warehousing processes, we approach every engagement with a comprehensive understanding of client needs. We craft a highly consultative approach often focused on peak seasons to ensure optimal uptime

This evolution is often gradual, occurring over many years, making it essential to address the varying lifecycles of lead-acid batteries. Fast-charge, lead-acid batteries typically last about three years, while opportunity charging techniques can extend the run time of conventional batteries by an additional four to five years. This leaves most material handling companies with fleets comprising vehicles at different stages of their life and battery cycles.

When a business has a fleet of trucks, a comprehensive implementation plan becomes essential. As the transition from conventional sources to Li-ion batteries occurs, it is crucial to understand whether the client envisions expanding their business practices.

They may plan to introduce a third shift or expand their building to add more square footage. These expansions require careful consideration of ampere-hour throughput to accommodate increased demand. Recognizing the significance of this information, Equipment Depot prioritizes secure and efficient data gathering to devise a holistic plan that aligns with client specifications.

Equipment Depot was recently approached by a discerning client grappling with optimizing their forklift fleet’s energy efficiency. Operating on four-year leases, their vehicles required costly charger replacements at each renewal. However, due to time constraints, the client sought a quicker response and quote—an approach that often results in best-guess scenarios that may create unrealistic expectations. In contrast, Equipment Depot’s proposal prioritized a tailored methodology that evaluated the client’s needs and specifications before starting the project. “Providing a customer with a solution without physically inspecting their facility is not Equipment Depot’s preferred approach,” says Joe Trovero, director of power sales. “Instead, we harness cellular loggers and swiftly install them in client facilities to gain a comprehensive understanding of their energy dynamics, and propose an alternative, forward-thinking solution within two weeks.”

In fact, for Equipment Depot’s customer, the modest investment translated into substantial energy savings of up to $26,000 per truck during the second leasing round. Fueled by innovation and technical expertise, this success continues to bring significant energy savings and operational advantages. It also exemplifies Equipment Depot’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of forklift fleet management through an end-to-end approach.

In an era where sustainability, innovation and customer-centricity reign supreme, Equipment Depot is a trailblazer reshaping the material handling landscape with an unshakable commitment to a greener, more efficient future.